Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands this piece of the earth itself as a sign that we restore them to you and your children forever.

Gough Whitlam

She was a remarkable person and the love of my life.

Gough Whitlam

remarkable persons love

The punters know that the horse named Morality rarely gets past the post, whereas the nag named Self-interest always runs a good race.

Gough Whitlam

horse memorable running

Australia's treatment of her Aboriginal people will be the thing on which the world will judge Australia and Australians - Not just now, but in the greater perspective of history.

Gough Whitlam

australia perspective people

When Sir Winton Turnbull [who represented a large rural seat], a slow and sometimes stumbling speaker, was raving and ranting on the adjournment and shouted: "I am a Country member." I interjected "I remember." Sir Winton could not understand why, for the first time in all the years he had been speaking in the House, there was instant and loud applause from both sides.

Gough Whitlam

house country years

I've never said I'm immortal. I do believe in correct language. I'm eternal; I'm not immortal.

Gough Whitlam

language said believe

Well may we say 'God save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General'.

Gough Whitlam

wells queens may

Poverty is a national waste as well as individual waste. We are all diminished when any of us are denied proper education. The nation is the poorer - a poorer economy, a poorer civilization, because of this human and national waste.

Gough Whitlam

waste memorable civilization

A conservative government survives essentially by dampening expectations and subduing hopes. Conservatism is basically pessimistic, reformism is basically optimistic.

Gough Whitlam

optimistic government expectations

It is the first time the burglar has been appointed as caretaker.

Gough Whitlam

political first-time firsts

Hostility towards China distorted Australia's international affairs for 20 years until 1972, but reconciliation with China 30 years ago had produced a quarter century of constructive bipartisan relations with our region and the world, unmatched in Australian history.

Gough Whitlam

australia memorable years

I was profoundly embarrassed by it [the White Australia Policy] and did all I could to change it.

Gough Whitlam

australia white memorable

Conscription is an impediment to achieving the forces Australia needs. It is an alibi for failing to give proper conditions to regular soldiers. We will abolish conscription forthwith. By abolishing it, Australia will achieve a better army, a better-paid army - and a better, united society.

Gough Whitlam

australia army memorable

He reveals that he has been a poor politician, a bad judge and a malevolent individual.

Gough Whitlam

politician political judging

I'm the only P.M. of which that can be said - 'His legislation was never declared invalid in the High Court.'

Gough Whitlam

legislation court said

If I begin my book with a review of the coup, it is only to show that my abiding interests for Australia did not end with it. They shall end only with a long and fortunate life.

Gough Whitlam

australia long book

She was a remarkable person and the love of my life. We were married for almost 70 years. She encouraged and sustained me and our four children, their families and many other people in a life full of engagement with Australians from all walks of life.

Gough Whitlam

love children years

Ladies and gentlemen, well may we say 'God Save the Queen', because nothing will save the Governor-General. The proclamation you have just heard was countersigned Malcolm Fraser, who will go down in history as Kerr's cur.

Gough Whitlam

gentleman queens memorable

He is lofty, and I am eminent.

Gough Whitlam

lofty political memorable

I have more influence now than when I had the power.

Gough Whitlam

power leadership memorable

My great objective as a parliamentarian was to dramatise the deficiencies and devise practical government programs to deal with them. It was a cause that went to the heart of our way of life.

Gough Whitlam

government memorable heart